Ambassador Şener Cebeci of Türkiye hosted a reception on 29 October 2026 to mark the 103rd Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic of Türkiye.
It marks an important milestone in the evolving trajectory of modern Turkish statehood and its deep-rooted diplomatic engagements.
While centennial celebrations mark historic turning points, the 103rd anniversary holds its own unique strategic weight. Coming three years into the second century of the Turkish Republic, it serves as an early measure of progress for the “Türkiye Yüzyılı” (Century of Türkiye) vision—a grand strategy focused on regional stability, economic integration, defense self-reliance, and cross-border connectivity.
For Central Asia, and Turkmenistan in particular, the 103rd anniversary highlights the maturity of a relationship built on shared historical, cultural, and linguistic bonds. Modern Turkish diplomacy increasingly views Turkmenistan not merely as a traditional fraternal state, but as a critical anchor for Eurasian transit corridors, energy architecture, and regional security.
As is customary for Republic Day celebrations hosted across Türkiye’s diplomatic missions worldwide, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan extended a national video message to all Turkish embassies and consulates.
In his official address dispatched to global missions for the 103rd Anniversary, President Erdoğan emphasized the foundational principles of the Republic while framing its future role on the world stage:
“Today, we reach the 103rd year of our Republic with the proud realization that Türkiye is becoming an increasingly indispensable actor for global peace, stability, and justice. The ideals of Ghazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and our heroic founders continue to guide our vision for a stronger, self-reliant, and prosperous nation.”
“Through our diplomatic network and global partners, we remain committed to deepening our ties of friendship and strategic cooperation across our extended geography. To our citizens abroad and our foreign friends who share in our national joy today, I extend the heartfelt greetings of the Turkish nation.”
In his address to diplomatic representatives, Turkmen officials, and the press in Ashgabat, Ambassador Şener Cebeci reflected on these core themes, underlining the solidifying partnership between Türkiye and Turkmenistan across trade, energy, logistics, and cultural exchange.
Here is the text of the speech of Ambassador Şener Cebeci:
Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers H.E. Batır Mammedov,
Your Excellencies, esteemed members of the diplomatic corps,
Valuable Guests,
Dear compatriots,
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is a great honor and privilege to welcome you all to our Residence this afternoon as we proudly celebrate the 103rd Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic of Türkiye.
On a personal note, having recently assumed my duties as the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to brotherly Turkmenistan, this reception marks my very first National Day celebration here, which fills my heart with immense pride, profound happiness, and a deep sense of responsibility.
On 29 October 1923, under the visionary leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of modern Türkiye, Turkish Nation proclaimed the Republic, making a historic turning point in our Nation’s destiny.
Turkish Republic was born out of a remarkable struggle for national independence, sovereignty, and national dignity. Establishment of the Republican system represented not merely a change in the form of the government, but a profound transformation.
Over the past century, Türkiye has emerged as a dynamic country with a diversified economy, young and well-educated population, strong institutions, robust and mature democracy, significant technological and industrial capabilities, particularly in the defense sector, and an active and widespread diplomatic presence across the globe.
In an international environment marked by growing uncertainty, conflicts and geopolitical challenges, Türkiye has been striving to contribute to regional and international stability, strengthen connectivity, and promote sustainable development and shared prosperity. Atatürk’s timeless ideal of “Peace at Home, Peace in the World” continues to serve as the bedrock of our foreign policy, guiding our diplomatic endeavors in international fora.
On this proud day, we honor the founder of our Republic, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk with profound respect and gratitude, alongside his comrades-in-arms and all our cherished martyrs who made the ultimate sacrifice for our independence.
Dear Guests,
Türkiye and Turkmenistan are two brotherly countries, bound together by deep-rooted ties that draw their strength from a shared Turkic and Oguz heritage, history and culture. Stemming from the same roots, speaking the same language, and sharing the same spirit and faith, our relations are founded not only on shared interests, but also on a strong sense of brotherhood, mutual trust, equality and solidarity. Our children grow up with the wisdom of Dede Korkut / Gorkut Ata, and our hearts beat as one with the timeless verses of Magtymguly Pyragy and Yunus Emre. We are united in both heart and aspiration.
As a manifestation of this special bond between our peoples, Türkiye was the first country to recognize Turkmenistan’s independence on 27 October 1991 and to open its Embassy in Ashgabat. Since then, based on the notion of “One Nation, Two States”, our bilateral relations have developed steadily, encompassing political dialogue, trade, investment, energy, transportation, education, and cultural cooperation.
Undoubtedly, the sincere friendship, mutual trust, and shared vision between our President, H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and the esteemed Leaders of Turkmenistan constitute the main driving force in our relations.
Dear Guests,
Driven by its rich natural resources, unique geostrategic position, visionary leadership and the remarkable resilience of the Turkmen people, Turkmenistan has achieved an impressive economic and social transformation since its independence. While fostering this great economic and social development, Turkmenistan’s policy of Permanent Neutrality, which plays a vital role in ensuring peace, stability, and security, continues to offer unique contributions to regional and global peace. Türkiye has consistently supported brotherly Turkmenistan’s Permanent Neutrality status from the very outset, and we will continue to do so with unwavering commitment. The participation of our President, H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, in the International Forum of Peace and Trust, held in Ashgabat on 12 December 2025 to mark the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Permanent Neutrality, was the latest manifest of this enduring engagement.
Dear Guests,
The year 2026 has witnessed intense high-level visits between Türkiye and Turkmenistan. Most notably, the 9th Session of the Türkiye-Turkmenistan Intergovernmental Economic Commission was held in Ashgabat last June. The comprehensive 71-item Joint Action Plan signed during this landmark session provides us with a clear, concrete roadmap to guide our economic and trade relations.
The dialogue between Türkiye and Turkmenistan culminates in a historic milestone today. As we gather here at this moment, H.E. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov is currently in Ankara to attend the 13th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States.
Furthermore, we are deeply honored by Turkmenistan’s high-level commitment to participate in the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference, COP31, which Türkiye will host and preside over in Antalya this November.
Distinguished Guests,
Today, Türkiye remains among Turkmenistan’s leading economic partners. We are committed to reach 5 billion US Dollars trade volume target as set by our esteemed Presidents.
Having successfully completed more than 1,100 projects with a total value of approximately 56 billion Dollars, Turkish companies have been proud partners in Turkmenistan’s development since the earliest days of its independence. These projects – ranging from state-of-the-art hospitals and schools to modern industrial complexes – stand as tangible examples of our close partnership.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to H.E. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the National Leader, H.E. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, for the confidence placed in Turkish companies and look forward to expanding our economic cooperation through new projects and opportunities.
We also attach great importance to cooperation in energy, transportation, and regional connectivity through Trans-Caspian Middle Corridor. Turkmenistan’s strategic location and abundant energy resources, combined with Türkiye’s position as a bridge between Asia and Europe offer considerable opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.
Energy cooperation holds a particularly promising place in our bilateral agenda. Last year, we witnessed a historic milestone in our energy partnership, as an aspiration nurtured for more than three decades finally became a reality with the commencement of natural gas deliveries from Turkmenistan to Türkiye. We remain confident that we will be able to build upon this important achievement and resume mutually beneficial energy trade.
Looking further ahead, we believe that enhanced energy connectivity across the Caspian region can open new horizons for our partnership. Türkiye stands ready to work closely with Turkmenistan and other relevant partners to develop viable and sustainable routes that would facilitate the flow of Turkmen natural gas to Türkiye and, through Türkiye, to European and other international market.
Dear Guests,
The true foundation of our Turkish-Turkmen solidarity lies in people-to-people ties between our fraternal societies. In this regard, the Turkish-Turkmen School in Ashgabat continues to nurture future generations who will further advance our spirit of cooperation. Today, Turkmen nationals holding legal residence permit represent the largest foreign community in our country. More than 215,000 Turkmen citizens currently live in Türkiye, while over 60,000 Turkmen students pursue their education in Turkish schools. This vibrant community serves as our most precious asset, forming a solid bridge that will elevate our relations to new heights.
To conclude my words, I would like to extend my warmest greetings to all our distinguished guests, our citizens living and working in Turkmenistan, and colleagues from the diplomatic corps for joining us on this special occasion and sharing our joy today.
Yaşasın Türkiye Cumhuriyeti!
Yaşasın Türkiye ile Türkmenistan’ın dostluğu ve doğanlığı!
I wish you all a wonderful afternoon.
Thank you very much. Sag boluň! /// nCa, 30 October 2026
Here are some pictures from the event:
